New research indicates that self reported memory lapses that family and physicians may have dismissed as normal signs of aging may in fact be an early sign of Alzheimer’s. At the 2013 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference five studies were presented that reported when a patient is concerned about lapses in their memory or thinking skills the symptoms discussed may indeed be early warning signs for Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The field is a new one in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Subjective cognitive decline or SCD is the self-reported perception of memory or cognition problems. The recognition of the importance of physician, family and patient perceptions and the value they give the patient’s input. If the research continues to support these cognitive issues as early warning signs, treatment, therapies and lifestyle changes can start much earlier, fending off the heartbreaking later stages as long as possible.
Maria Carrillo, Alzheimer’s Association vice president of medical and scientific relations, explained, “Early detection is extremely important for the success of therapy trials, where earlier intervention may be the key to producing positive treatment and prevention results.”
In one study, researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston evaluated the link between patient self-reported memory concerns and signs of physical brain changes normally associated with Alzheimer’s. Their test group included 131 people, with an average age of 73.5, with no history of serious neurological problems. As a part of the study, the researchers gave them PET Scans to look for beta-amyloid, a protein that builds up to form plaque in the brain that’s implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. Higher levels of beta-amyloid were reported in people who were concerned about memory issues, organizing and prioritizing tasks that those who did not have cognitive concerns. Study author Dr. Rebecca Amariglio, a researcher at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, believes that seniors have the ability to be the most accurate judge if they are having early cognitive issues.
Dr. Richard J. Kryscio, chair of biostatistics at the College of Public Health at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, led a team reviewing the medical records of 531 people. Their average age was 73. They were enrolled in a study where they were given annual memory and cognitive exams each year for an average of 10 years. Before each exam, the study participants were asked to share any changes in memory or cognitive abilities they had noticed. Nearly 56 percent of the study participants reported changes in their memory skills over the course of the study. The complaints of memory issues occurred on average six years before a dementia diagnosis and nine years before an MCI or mild cognitive impairment diagnosis. “In terms of research, the identification of specific risk factors coupled with a memory complaint could help identify a high-risk group that might help inform the design of future prevention trials,” said Dr. Kryscio.
Although the studies are considered preliminary because they were presented at a medical conference and have yet to be published or peer-reviewed, they highlight the importance of thorough medical and cognitive evaluations that will recognize the concerns of the patient and their families.
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